Fine Living: 10 Edible Endangered Animals

3- Chinese giant salamander

The Chinese giant salamander is the world’s largest amphibian; it grows to as much as 110 pounds and five feet in length. Its large size makes it easy to hunt and it can be sold for $100 a kilogram. Illegal hunting is forcing it into extinction in China. The population of the giant salamander has fallen 80% since the 1960s.

How it’s eaten: The primary method of cooking the Chinese giant salamander is by steaming it or simmering it in a soup.

4- Elephant

Though it is often assumed that elephants are poached mainly for their ivory tusks, their meat is considered a delicacy in Central Africa. The mere size of the animal makes it possible to garner hundreds of pounds of meat that can be sold and used to feed entire villages.

How it’s eaten: The flesh of an elephant is often coarse; the tender trunk and feet are considered the best parts to eat. Like primates, elephant is generally smoked, and used in stews and soups.

5- Pangolin

The pangolin is a scaly, anteater-type animal found in China; it looks much like a cross between a possum and an armadillo. Pangolin has risen in popularity in Thailand and China in recent years. In China, its meat is a popular meal, while its blood and scales are used as health remedies and aphrodisiacs. The scales supposedly cure swelling, promote blood circulation and help mothers produce breast milk. The meat sells at nearly $100 a kilogram and is coveted by gourmets, wealthy businessmen and traditional medicine practitioners.

6- Black bear

The black bear is a small bear that can be found in most parts of North America. Many are hunted illegally for their meat. Other species of bear are hunted throughout the world and used for everything from meat to paws to bile, which is used as medicine.

How it’s eaten: The meat is often cubed and slow-cooked in stews. It can also be sauteed, baked or served as steak.